asked the Minister for Agriculture if, as there seems to be no immediate prospect of Rosslare Harbour being opened for the shipment of live stock, he will make arrangements whereby Wexford cattle and lambs will have to entry to the Dublin market.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Wexford Cattle and Lambs.
Arrangements cannot be made at present for the entry into Dublin market of cattle and sheep from County Wexford as that market is confined for the time being to animals for export licensed in from an area north of a line roughly from Dublin via the Grand Canal to the mouth of the Shannon.
As the Deputy is probably aware fat cattle and sheep for the supply of meat for the Boroughs of Dublin and Dun Laoghaire are being purchased in the restricted area, including County Wexford, lying south of the Grand Canal. Substantial numbers of fat stock are also purchased in that area for export as dressed meat and for canning.
The matter of licensing fat stock for shipment from some further areas in the south is under discussion with the British authorities, and it is expected that an announcement will be made immediately regarding any additional facilities which can be provided in the present circumstances.
Is the Minister not well aware that at present, owing to weather conditions, the dead meat trade is not satisfactory and that there have been big losses? Is he aware that many farmers in County Wexford have not sold a beast this year, and that until they get rid of the fat cattle they will not be in a position to buy other cattle from their neighbours? I do not understand why these people are not allowed to sell in Dublin. I would go as far as anyone to ensure that foot-and-mouth disease is stamped out, but I do not approve of football matches, greyhound coursing and dancing to which people are allowed to go from infected districts. The Minister should see to that.
As the Deputy knows, people who go to football matches and greyhound coursing do not take foot-and-mouth disease. The cattle do.
Do not these people carry foot-and-mouth disease?
They may, but they do not take it.
They should be disinfected before they go to the park.